Studio Mediterranean Debuts at Montage Laguna Beach with Reimagined Coastal Dining Experience

Studio, the signature restaurant at Montage Laguna Beach, has reopened as Studio Mediterranean—offering a fresh culinary and design identity inspired by the purity of Mediterranean ingredients and California’s coastal bounty.

Perched cliffside with panoramic views of the Pacific, Studio Mediterranean blends the elegance of fine dining with the relaxed spirit of the seaside. The seasonal menu highlights responsibly sourced seafood from Greece, Spain, Italy and the California coast, along with fresh produce from regional farms such as The Ecology Center in San Juan Capistrano and Sam Cobb Date Farm in Desert Hot Springs.

Leading the kitchen is Executive Chef Dennis Efthymiou, a Greece native whose impressive résumé spans globally acclaimed restaurants including Central in Lima, The Fat Duck in the U.K., and Luce in San Francisco. His passion for Mediterranean cuisine shines through in every detail—from house-made spreads and artisan meats to shareable meze and whole fish fileted tableside.

Summer menu highlights include:

• Edamame Bean Hummus, Garlic Tahini, and house-baked yogurt pita
• Charred Octopus with saganaki sauce
• Tableside Horiatiki Salad with heirloom tomatoes and imported feta
• Coffee Salt Baked Branzino, fileted tableside
• Roasted Chicken with preserved lemon and fresh herb yogurt
• Baklava Ice Cream Sundae with pistachio ice cream and honey caramel

Complementing the cuisine is a refined beverage program led by sommelier Gary Sullivan, spotlighting Greek, European and California wines, along with cocktails that incorporate classic Hellenic flavors. Standouts include the Cyclades Martini with kalamata olive oil and the Odyssey with kumquat-cello and ouzo.

The newly reimagined interiors reflect a sophisticated coastal sensibility, with light wood accents, globe-shaped pendants, plush banquettes and floor-to-ceiling windows framing ocean views. The restaurant layout remains largely unchanged, preserving its open-air terrace and wraparound design. A marble bar and dramatic wine display welcome guests for casual bites or sunset drinks.

Studio Mediterranean also features several private dining spaces, including The Chef’s Table, an exclusive 14-seat experience with views into the kitchen. At the helm of hospitality is General Manager Cecil Kepner, whose previous roles include leadership at Knife Pleat, Otium, and Auberge Resorts.

To mark the grand reopening, Montage Laguna Beach is offering a Culinary Escape package, including upgraded accommodations (based on availability), a $300 Studio Mediterranean dining credit, complimentary valet parking, and a themed amenity. 

The restaurant will begin accepting reservations from the general public on Oct. 10, 2025.

World Taste Returns to Anaheim Packing District July 16

Food lovers, get ready to take your taste buds on a global adventure. The Anaheim Packing District—home to Orange County’s original food hall—is celebrating its fifth annual World Taste on Wednesday, July 16, from 5 to 9 p.m.

Guests will explore an international tasting experience while enjoying live music, trivia, sketching with craft beers in hand, and more. Each ticket includes seven tastes from participating eateries across the Anaheim MAKE Building, Packing House, and Farmers Park. New this year: a Tiny Taste Ticket with four tastings, perfect for kids or lighter appetites.

Use code greer for 5% off tickets purchased online through July 15.

This year’s menu of mini bites includes:

18 Folds – Dragon Wontons: Spicy shrimp wontons in a housemade chili sauce

206 BCE – Taste of the Islands: Garlic butter shrimp, sausages and rice with fresh topping

Black Sheep Grilled Cheese Bar - Ohana Grilled Cheese: Mozzarella, honey ham and bacon on grilled bread with pineapple preserves

ADYA Indian Flavors – Mini Samosa Chaat: Crispy samosas with chickpeas, chutneys and cilantro

Chippy Fish & Grill – Mouse-shaped Beignets

Georgia's – Something Soul Delicious

The Iron Press – Loco Moco Sliders

The Kroft – Katsu Curry Mini Poutine with fries, katsu chicken, curds and Japanese golden curry

Le Parfait Paris – French Pastry

Mangal Mediterranean – Loaded Fries with your choice of Falafel, Shawarma or Gyro

Mini Monster – Hunny Potion Milk Tea with boba or lychee jelly

Pali Wine Co – Chef Elijah’s Small Plate

Pique-Nique – The Perfect Bite: French Brie, fresh berries and honey on baguette

Unsung Brewing – Poison Green Apple Seltzer (21+)

URBANA Mexican Gastronomy – Crispy Birria Roll with Oaxacan cheese and salsa verde

Zabon Ramen and Rolls – Finding Carpaccio: Yellowtail in yuzu ponzu sauce

ZeroZero 39 Pizzeria – Roman-style Pizza Slice

Tickets are limited and this event always sells out—don’t miss it.

For tickets and more information, visit anaheimpackingdistrict.com.

Check in for World Taste will be located at the front of the Packing House at 440 S. Anaheim Blvd. in Anaheim.

Pacific Waters Spa Introduces Innovative Wellness Therapies at Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach

Pacific Waters Spa at the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa is elevating the wellness experience with a series of new, advanced treatments designed to promote healing, reduce stress, and support overall well-being. Set within the resort’s serene, Spanish-style grounds, the award-winning spa blends technology and holistic healing to offer cutting-edge therapies that go beyond traditional spa services.

Among the new highlights:

Halotherapy Infrared Sauna combines the detoxifying power of infrared heat with the respiratory benefits of salt inhalation therapy. This dual approach supports muscle recovery, improves lung function, and naturally promotes relaxation and immune health.

Luminova Illuminating Wellness with Light features Red Light Therapy (Photobiomodulation), a non-invasive treatment that uses low-level red and near-infrared light to improve cellular function. The therapy can reduce inflammation, ease anxiety, promote heart health, and improve skin tone and texture.

Avacen delivers targeted pain relief and circulation enhancement by placing the hand into a specialized heat-and-vacuum chamber. This breakthrough treatment reduces inflammation, improves joint mobility, and provides deep, lasting relaxation.

The Therabody Zero Gravity Experience pairs zero-gravity reclining with compression therapy, vibration, infrared LED light, and sound for full-body relaxation. The result is improved sleep quality, reduced stress, and relief from headaches and tension.

Sedona PEMF Mat therapy uses Pulsed Electromagnetic Field technology to stimulate cells, reduce inflammation, and improve recovery. It’s ideal for guests looking to boost vitality, sleep better, and ease muscle soreness.

These additions expand an already impressive spa menu that includes the Signature Codage Facial, a custom treatment that hydrates and revitalizes the skin using premium formulations and advanced techniques.

Guests seeking a transformative skincare experience can also opt for the Biologique Recherche facial, one of my personal favorites. This hyper-customized treatment focuses on the face, neck, décolleté, and hands, with deep cleansing, exfoliation, lifting massage, and mask application tailored to specific skin concerns. It’s recommended for all ages and skin types—men and women—and addresses aging, sensitivity, pigmentation, and acne.

For those interested in ongoing self-care, Pacific Waters Spa offers Premier and Platinum memberships, which include daily access to spa facilities and a monthly $170 spa credit. Credits roll over for one month (up to $340) and can be used on treatments at exclusive member rates. Platinum members also receive complimentary access to fitness classes, three monthly guest passes, and 24-hour access to the fitness center.

For more information about Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa, visit here, and to explore the full range of transformative spa treatments and exclusive wellness experiences at Pacific Waters Spa, visit  here to reserve your journey to ultimate relaxation and revitalization.

21500 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach. (714) 845-4650.